Maoists in government must for peace in Nepal, says CPN (UML) chief

In the backdrop of opposition Maoists threatening a 'people's revolt', Chairman of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal has sought their inclusion in government as a must for lasting peace.

Updated on: Jan 31, 2010, 23:46:33 IST

Hindustan Times | By Utpal Parashar, Kathmandu

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In the backdrop of opposition Maoists threatening a 'people's revolt', Chairman of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) Jhalanath Khanal has sought their inclusion in government as a must for lasting peace.

Khanal who is also part of the high-level political mechanism (HLPM) among ruling Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and the opposition Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, "It is necessary to have Maoists in government for political stability and logical conclusion to the peace process," he said. "That is the need as well as compulsion because without their cooperation there would be no peace and no constitution."

Khanal stated that in order to bring incidents of anarchism by Maoists to an end within the four months left for drafting the constitution, political parties must find a way to include UCPN (M) in a "national government" as soon as possible. On Saturday, UCPN (M) chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had threatened to launch a people's revolt against national regressive forces and foreign powers trying to destabilize the peace process.

Since stepping down from power in May last year over the President's refusal to approve sacking of the army chief, Nepal's largest party in parliament has launched a phase-wise agitation seeking 'civilian supremacy' and against foreign powers (read India).

"Formation of HLPM is a major step in bringing about understanding among the three major parties. But we must use it to reach a good understanding with Maoists. Otherwise no peace can be achieved in Nepal," Khanal stated.

Terming the recent anti-India tirade by the Maoists as "mistakes" made by the party as part of its transition from armed struggle to the "democratic path", he also sought review of the 1950 treaty of peace and friendship between both countries. "We may have some problems with India, but they have to be addressed in a fact-based and practical way. But marching towards Kalapani and Susta would not solve the problem. It would only aggravate it," said Khanal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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